Buffalo Construction Worker Injury Attorney

The job of a construction worker is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. Due to the nature of the work, one slip can mean permanent injury or death. Because construction work is so dangerous, New York State says that property owners, general contractors and sub- contactors are obligated to provide safe work sites. The New York State Industrial Code provides minimum safety standards for all types of work settings. Preventable construction site injuries are always inexcusable under the law.

Yet, even though there are clear laws meant to keep construction workers safe from harm, these workers are consistently under the threat of injury and death. All too often, owners, contractors or subcontractors compromise workers safety. Here some important statistics that highlight the dangers construction workers face:

Around 20 percent of all worker injuries in the United States occur in construction.

The four leading causes of construction worker injuries are falls, electrocutions, being struck by or against an object, and being caught in or between an object.

These four causes – known as the Fatal Four – account for 60 percent of construction worker injuries.

Construction workers in specialty trades (those that work with roofing, foundations, structures, concrete, etc.) account for nearly half of all construction worker fatalities.

The construction worker injury attorneys at Feroleto Law are proud to offer our services to those that have suffered workplace injuries. We can often bring what is called a third-party claim against a negligent third-party, such as an owner, contractor or subcontractor to recover Worker’s Compensation does not pay, such as additional lost wages, pain, suffering, permanent disability and partial disability. We provide aggressive legal representation to ensure that our clients are treated fairly after an on-the-job injury.

Construction Injuries Needlessly Occur

The leading cause of construction worker injuries is falls. Most are preventable. Constructions workers often do their jobs from scaffolding, from roofs or from several stories off the ground. This means that when a worker falls, they are likely to suffer devastating, potentially fatal injuries. But there are also many other ways that a construction worker can suffer an injury. Construction workers must be provided safe surfaces for working and walking at construction sites. This is because safe working and walking surfaces can be provided; this is recognized throughout the industry, and required under the New York State industrial code. Worker injury is greatly increased when safe working and walking services are not provided.

Workers’ Compensation Isn’t Always Enough

Unfortunately, when a worker is injured, even if he or she is receiving workers’ compensation benefits, the injury can leave workers in a difficult financial situation. If an injury sidelines an employee, the workers compensation payments may not be enough to cover expenses and make it difficult to support a family, make mortgage or rent payments, continue car payments, pay utility bills and take care of other fixed expenses.

Independent Contracting and Workplace Injuries

Like many industries in the United States, construction is becoming increasingly reliant on what companies call “independent contractors.” As workers know all too well, this classification means that companies provide fewer or no benefits and less pay. It also impacts the availability of traditional workers’ compensation benefits that employees used to rely on after a serious on-the-job injury.

The practice of calling workers independent contractors instead of employees has not been in the best interest of injured workers, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that workers are without options. New York has taken steps to protect workers from misclassification, most notably through the New York State Construction Industry Fair Play Act, which sets forth the criteria by which employers can classify constructions workers. The Act also places penalties on companies who fail to comply with proper classification.

Who is Responsible for a Construction Accident?

The first step in a construction site accident case is sorting through the parties legally responsible for work at the construction site itself. There are usually several parties who have a hand in a construction site: property owners, general contractors, site managers, subcontractors, IDAs, governmental agencies, and other entities involved in construction projects.

It is essential to identify those who may be legally responsible for a construction injury. Experienced construction injury attorneys know how to sift through the complicated nature legal responsibility for a worksite accident to determine who should be held accountable for a worker’s injury.

When a Non-Employer is at Fault

It is the duty of the site owners, contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers and material suppliers to adhere to all safety rules in the industrial code of New York which set minimum standards in keeping safe a site safe for workers as possible. Although workers’ compensation laws may prevent some types of lawsuits against employers, one of these other entities may be held responsible for your injuries in what is called a third-party action.

If someone other than your employer is responsible for your injury, a third-party claim can be filed to hold them responsible for the injury they have caused.

What to do After Suffering a Workplace Injury

If you have suffered an on-the-job injury, you will need to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. If possible, do this in writing and keep a copy of the Employers Report, C-2 and the Employee’s Report, C-3 workers compensation form or other notice you gave. Seek immediate medical attention, and keep copies of any bills you receive. In the days, weeks and months that follow your injury, keep track of any bills, expenses or records stemming from your injury.

It is in the best interest of injured workers to talk to an attorney who has experience with workplace injury cases. Employers and their insurance companies look for ways to keep payments they give workers to a minimum. Having an advocate who will fight for their rights ensures that they will not be taken advantage of, and that they will be given the compensation that they deserve, including an award for pain and suffering.

If You’ve Been Injured, Contact the Attorneys at Feroleto Law

The Buffalo workplace injury attorneys at Feroleto Law operate on a no-recovery, no-fee basis, meaning that you don’t pay us unless we win your case. We stand up for injured workers to make sure they get the compensation they deserve. Don’t hesitate to schedule a complimentary case analysis with our construction injury attorneys today.